How to Plant, Grow and Purchase Geranium (cranesbill) You have not viewed any items, or you have cookies disabled. Geranium (Cranesbill) Geraniums were once considered the "must have" plant for English gardens and with over 400 species it wasn't long before cultivars developed popularity with gardeners world wide. Buyers beware however as perennial geraniums are not related to annual geraniums which are actually in the genus Pelargonium. A true geranium is a cold hardy perennial that will prove to be long-lived and add years of beauty and graceful charm to any garden. Plant Highlight: Geranium (Cranesbill) Botanical and Common Name: Perennial Geranium is also called Cranesbill because of the shape of the seed pods once the petals have faded. Seed heads snap open like bird beaks to release the seeds. Hardiness Zones: Geranium is hardy in zones 4 - 9. Bloom Time & Color: Most hardy geraniums bloom for months beginning around May and continuing until October or November. If the cup shaped flowers fade in the summer heat trim the plant back and water deeply to encourage repeat blooming.

Plant Category: A true geranium is a hardy perennial. Originally cultivated from native alpine plants they are very cold hardy. Foliage: The foliage of most geraniums is finely divided or lobed. Growth Habit: Many cranesbill geraniums have slightly sprawling growth habits that become lanky with over fertilizing. Dimensions: Geraniums come in sizes ranging from 6-8" all the way to 3' or taller. Check specific cultivar information for details. Preferred Conditions: Geraniums prefer light shade to full sun except in hot humid areas where part shade is best. Well-drained soil is best. Maintenance: Easy to keep, geraniums seldom require any extra care at all except some fertilizing at the beginning of the growing season. Sometimes if blooms fade in the heat of summer trim the plant back, snip off the spent blooms and water deeply to encourage a new flush of blooms that will last until winter frost. Fertilize once at the beginning of the growth season to prevent lanky growth that will result with too-frequent fertilizing. Pests or Diseases: No real pests or diseases cause problems for cranesbills.

Propagation Methods: Many Geraniums set seed and it is the seedpods that give cranesbill the common name. Some hybrids are sterile or do not come true from seed so divisions can be taken or cuttings grown for propagation that holds true. Cuttings can be difficult to root so division is easier for propagation reasons, but seldom necessary for plant heath. Companion Plants: Geraniums do well planted under and through other small shrubs and one particularly nice arrangement I noticed was a purple flowering geranium ('Victor Reiter') planted under an Azalea with apricot blooms. The combined plants looked stunning intertwined together. Consider other summer blooming plants such as garden phlox, Coreopsis, , or Gaillardia . Seasons of Interest: Spring foliage and buds emerge early and the plants grow quickly to allow the geraniums to be in bloom around May. Flowers last until fall, and some until winter frosts. Most species are not evergreen but a few are as noted below. Uses in the Garden: Great for mixed borders, under shrubs and small woody trees, or in containers.

Varieties & Cultivars Geranium 'Brookside': This geranium is hardy and has a better blue than the previous 'Johnson's blue' cultivar. Lacy fine foliage is a beautiful mound of grey-green color that offsets the large bowl-shaped Geranium blossoms that are true blue with white eyes. Divide 'Brookside' every 4 or 5 years as needed. For more info on purchasing this item click here. Geranium 'Tiny Monster': A sterile hybrid, the 'Tiny Monster' must be propagated through division or cuttings, which can be difficult to root. Bright, warm magenta-purple flowers cover this hardy ground cover from June through early fall. The 'Tiny Monster' Geranium grows 12" high but will spread out 24-26". For more info on purchasing this item click here. Geranium cinereum 'Carol': Another amazing Geranium ground cover, 'Carol' is much more compact reaching only 6" high but spreading to 12". The Carol Cranesbill is covered in velvety purple-pink flowers with dark veins running through the petals making them highly attractive.

I would love to see this Geranium paired with the velvety foliage of Lamb's Ear as a border edging. For more info on purchasing this item click here. Geranium cinereum 'Purple Pillow': Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage is compact and less sprawling than other Geranium types. This cranesbill is a quick grower but well-behaved growing to form 6-8" mounds suitable to planting underneath deciduous shrubs or as edges of a border. The foliage is slightly fragrant and is a maroon purple color that accents the bright purple blooms nicely. For more info on purchasing this item click here. Geranium hybrida 'Rozanne': This Geranium is a spontaneous hybrid that was nurtured and cultivated because of the beauty and grace it has in the garden. One of the best marbled-foliage Geraniums, the 'Rozanne' (sometimes misspelled Rosanne) is a strong bloomer that produces large purple-blue flowers from June through October almost continuously. Sometimes hot summer will cause a pause in blooming so trim the Geranium back and water deeply to encourage repeat blooming.

The 'Rozanne' is a sterile hybrid so plants must be propagated through cuttings (difficult) or division although this cranesbill does not typically require any division. For more info on purchasing this item click here. Geranium pretense 'Victor Reiter': The 'Victor Reiter' is another stunning cultivar with beautiful purple stems and buds that appear every spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. Soon the Geranium is 2-3' tall or more, one of the largest hardy Geraniums. The blooms on this Geranium are a darker, richer purple than usually offered. For more info on purchasing this item click here. This 'Plant Highlight' was written exclusively for Sooner Plant Farm by Angela England .To read more from this talented writer about other highlighted plants and interesting gardening stories click here. All copyrights reserved by Sooner Plant Farm. No reproduction of this article in whole or in part is allowed without the permission of Sooner Plant Farm.

Geranium Geranium Red, pink, salmon, white, violet Red Geranium Cuttings root easily with bottom heat Seed Usually treated as an annual if minimum winter temperatures fall below 36� F (2� C) Origin of scientific name: Pelargonium: derived from Greek, pelargos, a stork (refers to the shape of the fruit which resembles the beak of a stork) hortorum: belonging to a hortus or garden; cultivated Geranium | Article about geranium by The Free Dictionary Geranium | Article about geranium by The Free Dictionary Related to geranium: geranium oil geranium, common name for some members of the Geraniaceae, a family of herbs and small shrubs of temperate and subtropical regions. Their long, beak-shaped fruits give them the popular names crane's-bill (for species of the genus Geranium, the true geranium), heron's-bill (genus Erodium), and stork's-bill (genus Pelargonium). The American wild geranium, or wild crane's-bill, has rose-to-purple five-petaled flowers and handsome, deeply forked leaves; the woodland herb Robert is similar but smaller.

Florists' geraniums are hybrid varieties of the S African genus Pelargonium in which the "petals" are actually highly modified stamens. Geraniums are cultivated not only as ornamentals but for the aromatic oils extracted from their foliage and flowers for use in flavorings and perfumes. Geraniums are classified in the division Magnoliophyta Magnoliophyta , division of the plant kingdom consisting of those organisms commonly called the flowering plants, or angiosperms. The angiosperms have leaves, stems, and roots, and vascular, or conducting, tissue (xylem and phloem). ..... Click the link for more information. , class Magnoliopsida, order Geraniales, family Geraniaceae. geranium How to Grow Wild Geranium: Tips From the Experts | Types of Flowers with Pictures | HGTV Flowers Plants Wildflowers Wild Spotted Geranium (Geranium maculatum) It’s tough to beat wild spotted geranium for shady to full sun color. This perennial spreads happily but not aggressively in medium, well-drained soil. Leaves turn pretty hues of red and orange in fall. Plants are hardy in Zones 5 to 9.

Wild geranium is a great choice for planting in beds beneath trees. Photo by: Image courtesy of Image courtesy of It’s tough to beat wild spotted geranium for shady to full sun color. This perennial spreads happily but not aggressively in medium, well-drained soil. Leaves turn pretty hues of red and orange in fall. Plants are hardy in Zones 5 to 9. Wild geranium is a great choice for planting in beds beneath trees. Take a walk on the wild side with wild geranium. Botanically this perennial bloomer is known as Geranium maculatum. Commonly, it has a host of colloquial names, including cranesbill or cranesbill geranium, alum root, wild cranesbill, spotted geranium and wood geranium. Whatever you call it, this native wildflower brings beauty to any landscape. Wild geranium is native to Eastern North America, growing from Southern Ontario to Georgia and west to eastern Oklahoma and the Dakotas. Hardy in Zones 3 to 8, Geranium maculatum is a tough plant and adapts to various growing conditions. In its native habitat, you’ll find wild geranium in woodlands and shady roadsides.

In the home garden, it thrives in full sun to part shade. Give wild geranium soil with plenty of organic matter, much like you’d find in a woodland, where soil is humusy and rich with fallen, composting leaves. Plants grow best when they have plenty of moisture. You’ll get the best flowering when you give wild geranium a spot with more sun and ample water. Too much sun and not enough water leads to yellow leaves that drop prematurely. If plants get enough moisture, they’ll keep their leaves all season long. If not, plants tend to go dormant. Flowers appear on wild geranium plants in late spring to early summer, over a period of six to seven weeks. The flowering window lengthens when temperatures stay on the cool side. Flowers appear in loose clusters above the deep green lobed leaves and face upward as they open. Most often blooms unfurl in shades of lilac or pink, but occasionally you’ll see a plant with dark purple or even white blossoms. The petals have darker colored lines that act as nectar guides for pollinating insects.

Wild geranium is a terrific plant for beckoning pollinators, including native bees, syrphid flies, bumblebees and honeybees. There’s no need to deadhead wild geranium, because plants typically only flower once per growing season. About a month after blooming, seed capsules appear, which give rise to the common name cranesbill geranium. The seed capsule has a long central piece attached to a base. The whole thing resembles a crane head with its long beak. In Greek, the word geranium actually means crane. When seeds are ripe, the capsules explode, tossing seeds 10 to 30 feet. Wild geranium grows in colonies. It naturalizes readily when it’s happy, but it’s not invasive. Plants usually grow about 18 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide. Choose other wildflowers to grow with wild geranium. Good companions include variegated solomon’s seal, ferns, celandine poppy, shooting star, trillium, columbine and woodland phlox. Geranium Geranium (Common Name: Cranesbill, Hardy Geranium).

Garden Use: There are varieties suitable for a wide range of uses - ground cover, trailing, mid-border, sun, dense shade. In fact the only situation I've not come across a Geranium to fill is very boggy or in water - but I have a sneaking suspicion there's one out there somewhere. Read about Geraniums for foliage interest in our garden diary for September 2011 . Wildlife Interest: Geraniums are great plants for bees. Cut Flower Use: Different species require different conditions and there is a Geranium to suit most gardens. There are quite invasive types among the goodies so read up about them first. Not all "Hardy Geraniums" are hardy! - all of ours are though. Propagation: Propagation and care differs between species - see below for specific notes. Pests and Diseases: The only specific pest we've experienced is a saw fly caterpillar that makes holes in the leaves in late summer. History: The common name is a reference to the shape of the seed capsules. Hardy Geraniums should not be confused with their half-hardy distant cousins, the Pelagoniums, which are commonly called Geraniums just to confuse things!

A member of the Geraniaceae family. Geranium x cantabrigiense St Ola Tough, low growing, carpeter with semi-evergreen, glossy leaves. Great in a sunny, dry spot. The flowers come in early summer and are white maturing pinkish. Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Sanguineum type but with large white-edged pink flowers for a long season. Low mat former and a great edger. Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Geranium himalayense Gravetye Mauve-centred deep blue flowers, on and off from June to autumn. Tough and adaptable to full sun or light shade. 1ft tall. These send up new shoots around the plant, so propagation is by division. Root cuttings are also possible. RHS Award of Garden Merit. Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Available to order for spring delivery Geranium himalayense Irish Blue Pale, pinkish blue flowers, endlessly from May to autumn. One of the best and most reliable flowers amongst hardy geraniums. 2ft tall and spreading to about the same in 2 years.

Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Available to order for spring delivery Geranium x.oxonianum These are hybrids between GG. endressii and versicolor and form clumps of large leaves and slowly spreading to occupy about 2ft across in a couple of years. They grow to about 1ft - 1ft 6in tall and flower from early summer repeating throughout the summer if cut back after each flush. They will self seed if not deadheaded. I grow them in more or less full sun in dry soils but the books say they can be grown in shade as well. Propagation of named types is by division although some will come true from seed this can't be relied on. Geranium x.oxonianum Katherine Adele Grown as much for its olive and brown marked leaves as for the pale pink veined flowers. In spring and early summer the markings become more pronounced and take on orangey tints. Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Available to order for spring delivery Katherine Adele has spectacular spring and early summer foliage. Geranium x.oxonianum Lace Time Intricately veined, pearlescent pink veined flowers.

1ft 6in tall in flower. Flowers in flushes through the summer. Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Available to order for spring delivery Geranium x.oxonianum Sherwood The star-shaped pink flowers appear from May onwards on plants reaching 1 1/2ft. Price: ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Geranium Patricia Raised by Alan Bremer Brilliant magenta with a black eye. Flowers all summer. Quite bushy plants about 1ft 6in tall. It is a hybrid of GG.endressii and psilostemon. Divide in spring. We've had failures in a cold winter when dividing in autumn. RHS Award of Garden Merit Price: ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Geranium phaeum Great for dry shade these plants from neat clumps of large, often patterned leaves and have flowers on top of 2ft stems in late spring into summer and often continue in the late summer, albeit reduced in number. These will self seed, but not excessively but we propagate by division to ensure purity of type.

I only divide plants in spring as they don't do well in pots in winter but for planting in the garden they can be divided in autumn. Geranium phaeum Album Pure white form with plain green leaves. Rather lovely especially with the sun shining through the petals revealing the star-shape calyx in silhouette. RHS Award of Garden Merit Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Geranium phaeum Lavender Pinwheel Lovely lavender coloured flowers with darker purple outlines of the calyces showing through. About 2ft 3in tall in flower Price ï¿½5.00 (9cm pot) available to order for spring delivery See Lily Lovell in a perfect garden partnership in Garden Notebook for May 2009 Price: ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) available for spring delivery Geranium phaeum Rachel's Rhapsody Mosaic-like variegation to the large leaves in yellow and green with dots of red. Rather weird. Flowers are typical maroon phaeum type. Makes a large leaf mound about 2ft tall.

Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Available to order for spring delivery Geranium phaeum Springtime Large, bold leaves with white, maroon and green patterns. Typical phaeum flowers. This one has plant varietal rights so we have to buy in plugs rather than propagate ourselves. Price: ï¿½5.00 (9cm pot) available to order for spring delivery Geranium phaeum Variegatum Leaves boldly splashed with white, red and silver. Flowers are the typical phaeum maroon colour. Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Available to order for spring delivery Geranium pratense Mrs. Kendall Clark Blue and silver flowers like Mother of Pearl on 2ft 6in (75cm) stems. Mounds of divided leaves. Blooms May - July and sometimes again September - October. RHS Award of Garden Merit Price: ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Mrs Kendall Clark with Tree Bumblebee Read about a great planting combination with Mrs Kendall Clark in our garden notebook for July 2012 .

Geranium pratense Summer Skies Neat, shortish plants (2ft / 60cm), with double flowers like tiny rose buds. Will rebloom if cut back after first flowering Price: ï¿½6.00 (9cm pot) available to order for spring delivery Geranium Rozanne Such a long flowering period: from June to October and beyond. Trailing stems that provide ground cover or cascade over edges or from pots. No wonder she was voted "Plant of the Centenary" at RHS Chelsea in 2013. Around 9-12in. tall and spreading to 1-2ft. Planting distance 18in. Flowers keep their best colour when growing in light shade. Price: ï¿½5.00 (9cm pot) available to order for spring delivery Geranium sanguineum Good ground cover for well-drained soil in sun. Low growing (about 9 - 12" tall) and giving good autumn leaf colour. Best in sun. Give the plants a trim after the first flush of flowers (May - July) and they will flower again later in summer. They will seed but not come true.

Best propagated by division or even root cuttings. See also Geranium Elke above and Tiny Monster below. Read more about Geranium sanguineum as autumn bloomers in our garden notebook for October 2010 . Geranium sanguineum Album Pure white version of this lovely mat forming plant. Rather more upright than other types RHS Award of Garden Merit Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Available to order for spring delivery Bright purple, very large flowers. Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Geranium sanguineum Glenluce Pale bluish-pink variety discovered by A T Johnson in 1937 growing near Glenluce in Scotland. Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Geranium sanguineum John Elsley Mat forming plants with bright magenta flowers in early summer and again in autumn. Leaves get good autumn tints as well Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Available to order for spring delivery Geranium sanguineum Max Frei Deep rose pink flowers in early summer and again in autumn.

Leaves colour up in autumn Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Pale pink flowers with deeper rose veins in early summer and again in autumn. RHS Award of Garden Merit Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Geranium sanguineums are a great favourite with Carder Bees Geranium Stephanie Leaves like Geranium renardii and pearly pale violet flowers from April - June. Low growing and great in dry and poor soils but give her some TLC and you won't regret it! Needs a sunny spot. Propagate by division in spring. Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Available to order for spring delivery Stephanie makes a great combination with sliver-leaved plants - see her with Cynara carduncularis (Cardoon) in our garden notebook for May 2012 Geranium Tiny Monster This is a cross between Geraniums sanguineum and psilostemon producing a low-growing plants (like a sanguineum) with large, magenta flowers like psilostemon (albeit lacking the black eye).

They do well in dry, sunny spots and flower from May through to the autumn with a little rest in high summer. Propagate by division in spring or by root cuttings. Price ï¿½4.50 (9cm pot) Geranium maculatum - Plant Finder Plant Finder Tried and Trouble-free Recommended by 3 Professionals Species Native to Missouri Native Range: Northeastern North America Zone: 3 to 8 Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet Bloom Time: April to May Bloom Description: Pale pink, deep pink, lilac Sun: Full sun to part shade Water: Medium Garden locations Culture Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, humusy soils, but tolerates poor soils. Will naturalize in optimum growing conditions. Deadheading is tedious and probably unnecessary since plants usually do not repeat bloom. Foliage may yellow in hot summers if soil is allowed to dry out. Foliage may decline after flowering in hot summer climates, at which point it may be lightly sheared back and shaped to revitalize.

Noteworthy Characteristics Geranium maculatum is a clump-forming, Missouri native, woodland perennial which typically occurs in woods, thickets and shaded roadside areas throughout the State. Forms a mound of foliage that grows to 24" tall and 18" wide. Features 1 1/4" diameter, pink to lilac, saucer-shaped, upward facing, 5-petaled flowers in spring for a period of 6-7 weeks. Deeply cut, palmately 5-lobed, dark green leaves (to 6" across). Flowers give way to distinctive, beaked seed capsules which give rise to the common name of crane's bill. Genus name comes from the Greek word geranos meaning crane in reference to the fruit which purportedly resembles the head and beak of a crane. Specific epithet means spotted. Problems No serious insect or disease problems. Rust and leaf spot may occur. Watch for snails and slugs.

Garden Uses Cranes-bill | Article about cranes-bill by The Free Dictionary Cranes-bill | Article about cranes-bill by The Free Dictionary Related to cranes-bill: herb robert geranium, common name for some members of the Geraniaceae, a family of herbs and small shrubs of temperate and subtropical regions. Their long, beak-shaped fruits give them the popular names crane's-bill (for species of the genus Geranium, the true geranium), heron's-bill (genus Erodium), and stork's-bill (genus Pelargonium). The American wild geranium, or wild crane's-bill, has rose-to-purple five-petaled flowers and handsome, deeply forked leaves; the woodland herb Robert is similar but smaller. Florists' geraniums are hybrid varieties of the S African genus Pelargonium in which the "petals" are actually highly modified stamens. Geraniums are cultivated not only as ornamentals but for the aromatic oils extracted from their foliage and flowers for use in flavorings and perfumes.

Geraniums are classified in the division Magnoliophyta Magnoliophyta , division of the plant kingdom consisting of those organisms commonly called the flowering plants, or angiosperms. The angiosperms have leaves, stems, and roots, and vascular, or conducting, tissue (xylem and phloem). ..... Click the link for more information. , class Magnoliopsida, order Geraniales, family Geraniaceae. geranium HARDY GERANIUMSlt HARDY GERANIUMS (Cranesbills) This picture shows six different species of Geranium. Of all plants Hardy geraniums are my favourite. For many years, I thought Geraniums were confined to those plants we associate with placing in tubs and pots to give that lovely splash of summer colour. Then I learned that the latter were in fact Pelargoniums and there was a whole world of Hardy geraniums or Cranesbills out there waiting for me to discover. For those who may not know, the name geranium originates from "geranos"the Greek word for Crane; it refers to the beak shaped seed capsule and so gives rise to the common name of Cranesbill.

These plants come in various heights and widths but all have flowers in shades of white/pink/blue or purple. The foliage colour also varies from species to species with many having attractive Autumn colour. Depending on the variety these plants can grace your garden from Spring to early Winter. Some are happy in shade, others favour full sun while some will just make themselves at home wherever you choose to place them. So anxious to please, many will happily give a second show of flower if cut back after their first display. They are relatively disease free and UNloved by the snails or slugs. As the prefix, "hardy", implies these plants tolerate low temperatures probably around -20C and are placed in Hardiness Zone 4 of the US Dept. of Agriculture. I am lucky to have over 60 different varieties all of which give me so much pleasure. Is there no place safe from this fellow! Let me tell you about some of my favourites whose pictures are shown. Picture 1; this is Geranium "Ballerina".It has a compact form and is often seen in rock gardens.

The leaves are greyish green and the flowers, which measure about 3cms across, are a purplish pink with marked dark veining of the petals and a dark center. The manner in which the flowers "dance" gave rise to the name. It blooms from early summer to autumn;propagation is usually by cuttings or division. Picture 2;Here we see Geranium " Johnson's Blue" Oh yes this is one of my pets! It grows in a dense clump to a height of about 30-45cms. The flowers are lavender blue with a reddish tinge and measure 5cm across. The foliage is finely cut and very attractive. This plant is often used in conjunction with pale yellow or cream roses and very pretty it is . Propagation is by division. Picture 3Geranium "Mrs Kendall Clarke".This is a tall variety growing to 60-90 cms and may require staking. The flowers are a violet blue with white veins. In a border it can look very well if allowed to roam through planting of yellow and gray. Propagation is best by division as seed may be variable.

Picture 4;Geranium Psilostemon.I find myself smiling even as I write this perhaps because this plant is one of those bold, kind of cheeky, ones that really seem to have an extrovert character. Maybe the loud magenta colour with black center and veining of the cup shaped flower gives it no other option! All the same it is a welcome addition to any garden and provides a striking combination if planted near gray foliage plants such as Artemesia or Stachys; like many of it's relations yellow and blue flowers blend very well. It may grow to a height of 122cms with flowers 4cm across. Psilostemon is happy in sun or half shade. The leaves in Autumn, for a brief time, are a good shade of crimson. Picture 5.Geranium "Kashmir White. One of the striking features of this variety is the foliage; the leaves are deeply cut with pointed segments. The plants reach a height of 30-45cms with lovely white gray veined flowers measuring 4cms. Because of the colour this is suitable for many sites in the garden. It flowers for most of the summer. This species is also found in shades of pink and purple.

Picture 6.Geranium " Russell Prichard" This is another variety suitable for a rock garden. It has a compact form with mat-like growth. The experts suggest protecting the crown in winter as it is less hardy than the others. It is also said that old growth tends to die out in the middle; personally I have not noticed that but mine is planted through a plastic liner in a gravel bed so perhaps that influences it's growth habit...I honestly don't know. Picture 7.Geranium " Buxton's variety" Here is a low growing geranium that likes to intertwine with neighbouring plants. Ideal for the front of a border it starts to flower around July and lasts until the first frosts. It's flowers are most attractive and in Autumn the foliage is tinted a crimson shade. Picture 8.Geranium traversiiWhat a little gem. I have not seen this one very often, more's the pity. It grows in mound form though may spread among nearby plants in the front of a border. Growing to a height of 16 to 20 cms the small hairy grey/green leaves are a perfect foil for the shell pink flower with paler pink edges.

A glimpse of green can be seen in the center. It is not quite as hardy as the other geraniums and it is a good idea to cover it in Winter or take a few cuttings which seem to root easily. This is a good plant to grow in a rock garden or trough as it flowers throughout the summer. I promise to show a better photograph when next it blooms. Picture 9.Geranium "Mayflower" A Spring flowering geranium with rich violet/blue flowers. The leaves are broadly divided and most attractive. This plant likes moist soil and I find it grows quite well in a north facing bed. Propagation is by division or seed but the latter can be variable. Picture 10.Geranium "Lily Lovell" This has the advantage of enjoying deep dry shade. It is a strong growing plant with light green leaves and dark purple flowers. Because the flowers may look a little sombre, this group are sometimes called "The Mourning Widow", it is best to plant them close to light coloured foliage. Picture 11Geranium aspheloides I got this geranium a few months ago and am delighted with it. It trails over the ground and here is seen around a log of wood.

The flower is so dainty. Picture 12.Geranium thurstonianum Thurstonianum is an unusual geranium in that the narrow petals are sometimes twisted. The flowers are unlike those of any geranium I have seen to date but to me they are most attractive. Picture13. Geranium"Mavis Simpson" This one likes dry soil in a shady area. The clear bright pink flowers bloom from early Summer and last for a long time.It grows to a height of about 9 inches and a spread of 3 feet. This picture shows the difference in shade and veining in four geraniums. Picture 14.Geranium palmatum This plant grows to around 48inches tall. A profusion of pink flowers shows in summer. It may not be hardy but tends to seed itself widely. Picture 14.Geranium pylzowianum This is a great little plant to grow in a trough. The stems look very frail but hold lovely rose-pink trumpet shaped flowers. It spreads rapidly but as it goes dormant after flowering it is not hard to contain. The information I give in the table below relates to my experience with these plants. There will of course be variation when growing conditions are different.

Information about some popular varieties. NAME Cranesbill perennial geranium Bloom Form: 1 1/2-2” cup shaped, 5 petal flowers, widely open to a flat saucer Foliage: Large green, finely cut divided Fragrance: None Pest and Disease Resistance: Not typically bothered by pests. In wet humid conditions is susceptible to root rot, mold, powdery mildew, leaf spot and rust. Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. If a severe shearing or cut back to the ground is necessary, fertilize as the foliage begins to regrow. Over fertilizing can cause the plant to become sprawling and lanky. Maintenance: Easy to care for with regular watering. Other: Propagates by division. Somewhat tolerant of urban conditions. Hardiness: Zones 4-8 ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is considered to have the truest blue flower of the Cranesbills. It grows quite quickly with lovely dense foliage to fill an open space. Large blue blooms with darker veining are held in clusters above the foliage, giving the plant in bloom an airy appearance.

After blooming, ‘Johnson’s Blue’ can look pretty floppy and scraggly with numerous bare, branched flower stems. The foliage may also become quite sprawling and leggy. Remove the flower stems and as much as the foliage as is necessary to achieve a neat appearance, cutting back to the ground if need be. Simply shear it back with a garden shear, and fresh foliage will emerge as well as additional blooms. When foliage remains fresh, which it may in full sun and with not too much fertilize, it adds elegant texture to the garden. Lovely mounds of large, deeply cut lobed leaves are terrific in both casual and formal plantings. An occasional tiny plant may pop up from self seeding, either remove or plant elsewhere. Division is rarely necessary other than to propagate additional plants. Excellent as a softening transition against hardscapes or as an accent plant. ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is a perfect woodland garden plant if the site is not too shady. ‘Johnson’s Blue’ has been a garden staple for a very long time, and has been considered the classic blue Cranesbill. New hybrids should also be considered when making a selection.

‘Rozanne’ has a longer bloom period and does not get quite so scraggly after blooming. A heavy layer of mulch is helpful in zones 3 and 4 to protect the roots. ‘Johnson’s Blue’ is a pretty adaptable and easy to care for perennial that will generally live for ten years or more. ‘Rozanne’ was introduced in the early 2000s, and quickly become a gardening favorite. It is probably the best blooming Cranesbill, flowering non stop from early summer through late fall. The foliage forms a compact, horizontal mound that does not get leggy and shaggy. Sun to half day shade is ideal, and just about any soil condition suits ‘Rozanne’ just fine. Extremely hardy, ‘Rozanne’ can survive as far north as zones 2 and 3 with heavy mulching. ‘Rozanne’s’ powdery violet blue blooms float delicately above the foliage. Leaves are a deep green and slightly marbled with chartreuse. Although the foliage holds up better than other Cranesbills, pruning and deadheading will still be necessary if you prefer to keep the plant neat and fresh.

Shear off the spent blooms and prune out fading foliage at ground level. New foliage will quickly emerge, as well as a new batch of blooms. Growing in full to mostly sun will help keep the plant looking its’ best, and don’t overdo the fertilizer. ‘Rozanne’ is a sterile hybrid and will not self seed. Heat and humidity are no problem for ‘Rozanne’, but be sure to water weekly in extreme heat. A little afternoon shade will benefit the plant in hot summer regions. ‘Rozanne’ is great tucked in or spilling over just about anywhere, and is perfect for edging a perennial border. Drought tolerant enough to hold up in rock gardens and street plantings. Spread: 24” Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun to part shade Water Requirements: Average water needs, prefers a well drained soil. Requires weekly watering, more often in extreme heat Soil Requirements: Prefers loamy or sandy well drained soil with a neutral pH, but will tolerate alkaline and clay if well drained. Growth Habit: Mounded, becoming more sprawling as the growing season progresses.

Bloom Time: End of May into June, repeating into August or September Bloom Color: Blue lavender with a little purple veining and white centers. Bloom Form: Large Cup shaped Foliage: Green, fine and deeply cut foliage. Fragrance: None Pest and Disease Resistance: Not typically bothered by pests. In wet humid conditions is susceptible to root rot, mold, powdery mildew, leaf spot and rust. Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. If a severe shearing or cut back to the ground is necessary, fertilize as the foliage begins to regrow. Over fertilizing can cause the plant to become sprawling and lanky. Maintenance: Easy to grow and care for. Other: Propagates by division. Hardiness: Zones 4-8 ‘Brookside’ blooms every bit as long or longer than ‘Rozanne’ and has one of the largest flowers of the blue varieties. By many it is preferred over ‘Johnson’s Blue’ with a better “true” blue, and some say it is the best blue Geranium. Lacy deeply cut foliage is pretty heat resistant, holding a fresh look through most of summer.

If it gets tattered looking, sheer back the spent flower stems and prune out poor looking foliage at the ground level. Fresh foliage will emerge and blooming will begin again. ‘Brookside’s’ foliage grows rapidly in spring, forming an upright mound and spreading wide slowly. If it spreads too wide, divide ‘Brookside’ in spring or fall every few years. In cool climates full to mostly sun is ideal, morning sun or some afternoon shade is best in warmer regions. Foliage turns orange red in autumn. ‘Brookside’ is fairly adaptable to either dry or moist conditions and is not fussy about pH or soil, except that is does require well drained soil. It is also somewhat tolerant of urban conditions. Expect ‘Brookside’ to live about 10 years. Most are long bloomers, some self seed (watch for tiny plants to pop up, to either remove or plant elsewhere). Full sun is preferred but some can tolerate light shade, especially further south. The cultivar Rozanne is very tolerant of heat and humidity and has one of the longest bloom season of the Crane’s bills. It is also very compact, making it a great choice for containers and garden borders.

Winter protection is suggested in zones 3 and 4, use 3-4 inches of mulch. Common Name: Hardy Geranium, Cranesbill Geranium Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun to part shade Water Requirements: Low to average water needs, prefers a well drained soil. Soil Requirements: Prefers loamy or sandy well drained soil with a neutral pH, but is tolerant of average soil if well drained. Growth Habit: Mounded, becoming more sprawling as the growing season progresses. Bloom Time: May through October Bloom Color: Blue violet with white center Bloom Form: Cup shaped Foliage: Green finely divided Fragrance: None Pest and Disease Resistan ce: Not typically bothered by pests. In wet humid conditio ns is suscepti ble to root rot, mold, powdery mildew, leaf spot and rust. Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. If a severe shearing or cut back to the ground is necessary, fertilize as the foliage begins to regrow. Over fertilizing can cause the plant to become sprawling and lanky. Maintenance: Easy to care for. Deadhead to encourage blooming. Other: Propagates by division.

Hardiness: Zones 4-8 Like most of the newer Cranesbill hybrids, ‘Jolly Bee’ is a prolific bloomer. Large violet blue blooms are veined in violet red with white centers. In cool summers, the bloom color will be a deeper blue. The foliage is a medium green with bright marbled highlights. ‘Jolly Bee’ has a bit better mounding habit than ‘Rozanne’, which has a more horizontal habit. Otherwise, ‘Jolly Bee’ is considered nearly identical to ‘Rozanne’. ‘Jolly Bee’ is well behaved and will do a lovely job in a perennial border, fronting hedges or foundation plantings or as an accent plant. And it looks great spilling over landscape walls or nestled in a rock garden. ‘Jolly Bee’ is an easy to grow and care for perennial. It has fairly good heat tolerance, is not fussy about soil type or pH, and will tolerate urban pollution. Moist conditions are tolerated if the soil is well drained. Like other Cranesbill, ‘Jolly Bee’ may need rejuvenation by mid to late summer. Shear off spent blooms and stems for a neater appearance and remove any foliage that has deteriorated.

New foliage will quickly emerge and blooming will begin shortly thereafter. Blooming is fairly continuous without deadheading, but may be improved by removing the spent blooms and stems. Although ‘Jolly Bee’ does self seed, the seeds are rarely viable, so don’t expect to see new plants pop up. Divide in spring or fall to propagate new plants. Expect ‘Jolly Bee’ to live about 10 years. Bloom Time: June through July, reblooming through September Bloom Color: Shell pink with rose centers Bloom Form: 5 petal 3/4” cup saucer flowers Foliage: Dark green, finely divided rounded lobes. Fragrance: Foliage has a light spicy scent. Pest and Disease Resistance: Not typically bothered by pests. In wet humid conditions is susceptible to root rot, mold, powdery mildew, leaf spot and rust. F e rt ili z e: A p p l y a b al anced fertilizer in early spring only where soil is exceptionally poor. Over fertilizing will cause the plant to spread aggressively. Maintenance: Easy to grow and care for Other: Propagates by division or cuttings, deer resistant.

Hardiness: Zones 4-8 ‘Biokovo’ is a delightful Cranesbill with delicate pink blooms and rose eyes and stamens. The flowers open into a cup shape, then open wide to a flat saucer, eventually almost turning backward toward the stems. The initial bloom period will last up to five weeks, lighter reblooming continuing into late summer. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage the reblooming. The dense foliage is ferny and ground hugging, making it excellent as a groundcover, especially for dry shady areas. Its’ dwarf stature also makes it a wonderful choice for edging a perennial border or garden walk, or as an accent plant in a rock garden. It adapts well to moist or dry conditions, but does prefer well drained soil. In regions with hot summer, the plant will benefit from afternoon shade. ‘Biokovo’ will spread by underground rhizomes, so give it some room or plan to divide every 3 or 4 years to control size. A mature plant may spread to as much as three feet wide. If grown in fertile soil that receives regular water and fertilizer, ‘Biokovo’ will spread aggressively. Foliage turns several shades of reds, orange and golden in autumn.

A light spicy scent comes from the foliage. Under ideal growing conditions you can expect ‘Biokovo’ to live about ten years. ‘Biokovo’ is a very tough perennial, an excellent variety of hardy geranium. Bloom Time: May into July, reblooming through September Bloom Color: Pink veined with purple Bloom Form: 2” Cup shaped Foliage: Green finely divided Fragrance: Foliage is lightly fragrant. Pest and Disease Resistance: Not typically bothered by pests. In wet humid conditions is susceptible to root rot, mold, powdery mildew, leaf spot and rust. Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Over fertilizing can cause the plant to become sprawling and lanky or spread aggressively.. Maintenance: Very easy to grow and care for. Other: Propagates by division, deer resistant. Hardiness: Zones 3-9 ‘Ballerina’s’ dainty blooms are lilac pink with crimson pink veining and dark purplish centers. The finely veined petals are dramatic when viewed up close, so this is an excellent choice for an entry garden or in containers.

‘Ballerina’ is an early bloomer, and will continue light blooming well into fall if deadheaded. The foliage forms a dense mat to make an ideal ground cover, perfect as an under planting. ‘Ballerina’ is a tough and vigorous perennial that tolerates heat and humidity as well as urban conditions. It does very well as an alpine plant, it is a native in the Pyrenees mountains. It loves cool nights and is very cold hardy. When planted in regions with hot summers, afternoon shade will benefit the plant. ‘Ballerina’ spread through underground rhizomes, but not aggressively. Self seeding is limited. In general, ‘Ballerina’ does not need feeding unless soil is exceptionally poor. It will thrive on neglect. Geranium sanguinium x ‘Tiny Monster’ Common Name: Hardy Geranium Other: Propagates by division. Hardiness: Zones 5-8 Vivid magenta flowers with red purple veining are produced nonstop all summer on ‘Tiny Monster’. Blooms are held 4-6” above the foliage on branched stems from late spring through late summer.

The plant spreads quickly to form a dense mound that remains quite fresh all season, turning rich red in autumn in cold climates. Plant in full to part sun so the foliage doesn’t sprawl and fewer flowers are produced. In regions with hot summers, afternoon shade will benefit ‘Tiny Monster’. ‘Tiny Monster’ is sterile and will not self seed, which also allows longer flowering period. The heaviest blooming is usually about June through August. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage continued blooming. If foliage does become ragged, just snip out near the ground and new foliage will quickly emerge. ‘Tiny Monster’ is a stunning ground cover or when planted in masses. Blooms are vivid and long lasting enough to use as an accent plant or creates a wonderful border for a perennial garden.. Drought tolerance makes it an excellent filler in a rock garden. Sun/Shade Requirements: Full sun to part shade Water Requirements: Low to average water needs, prefers a well drained soil. Soil Requirements: Prefers loamy or sandy well drained soil with a neutral pH, but not fussy.

Growth Habit: Compact and mounded Bloom Time: May through June, reblooming through September Bloom Color: Red purple with distinct dark veining Bloom Form: 1” cup shaped Fol iag e: Sil ver y gre en lea ve s, de epl y lob ed Fr agr an ce: Foliage is lightly fragrant. Pest and Disease Resistance: Not typically bothered by pests. In wet humid conditions is susceptible to root rot, mold, powdery mildew, leaf spot and rust. Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. If a severe shearing or cut back to the ground is necessary, fertilize as the foliage begins to regrow. Over fertilizing can cause the plant to become sprawling and lanky. Maintenance: Very easy to grow and care for. Other: Propagates by division. Hardiness: Zones 4-8 ‘Purple Pillow’s’ vivid blooms are a show stopper. Rich purple red flowers are held above delicate foliage. The foliage has a silvery shimmer in sunlight and the purple tinged leaves turn coppery in autumn. ‘Purple Pillow’ prefers a moist, very well drained soil, it is quite drought tolerant once established.

In cooler regions grow in full to mostly sun. Afternoon sun will benefit the plant in regions with hot summers. ‘Purple Pillow’ is stunning in masses or as an accent plant. The dwarf stature lends ‘Purple Pillow’ well to underplanting, edging perennial beds, or fronting foundation plantings. As a groundcover, ‘Purple Pillow’ is not quite as dense as other dwarf Cranesbill. It will cover an area nicely, but may not be dense enough to prohibit weed growth. Shear the plant back lightly after flowering to encourage new growth from the center and to encourage reblooming. Fragrance: None Pest and Disease Resistance: Not typically bothered by pests. In wet humid conditions is susceptible to root rot, mold, powdery mildew, leaf spot and rust. Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. If a severe shearing or cut back to the ground is necessary, fertilize as the foliage begins to regrow. Over fertilizing can cause the plant to become sprawling and lanky. Maintenance: Very easy to grow and care for. Other: Propagates by seed or division.

Hardiness: Zones 3-8 ‘Bloody Cranesbill’ is the species plant that many cultivars originate from. It is a British native wildflower and blooms prolifically with little encouragement. Blooms may appear as early as early May, but the primary bloom period is Late May through June. Deadheading will encourage continued blooming. The leaves of ‘Bloody Cranesbill’ are more deeply cut than other hardy geraniums, lending a very delicate appearance, a lovely foliage when out of bloom. The foliage may get a bit ragged and sprawling after the first bloom period, a hard shearing will rejuvenate the plant and blooming will begin again. ‘Bloody Cranesbill’ is generally not invasive, but it ideal conditions, such as rich, moist soil and frequent fertilizing, it can spread quite rapidly. It will self seed lightly, but the new plants may not come up true, particularly if other Cranesbill are grown nearby. Foliage turns a vibrant crimson in autumn, hence its’ name. A thick layer of mulch in zone 4 may be beneficial through winter, and may even survive in zone 3 when heavily mulched.

‘Nanum’ is a dwarf version of this species plant, growing to about 8” it is more companct. Flowers are more cup shaped and ‘Nanum’ blooms more prolifically. Both make an excellent ground cover or border edging. Heat tolerant enough for a rock garden, but it may need supplemental water in extended dry period. Other: Propagates by seed or division. Hardiness: Zones 4-8 ‘Pencilled Geranium’ has exquisite petals of white or shades of pink with distinct purple veining that appears to be drawn on with a colored pencil. This species perennial is a wildflower native to the Balkans and Italy, and is a parent of several hybrid Cranesbills. The flowers are on the small side, but it does flower prolifically from June to August and may flower sporadically through October . It will bloom even in fairly heavy shade, but will do best with at least part sun. In regions with hot summer, part shade especially in the afternoon will benefit the plant. ‘Pencilled Geranium; will naturalize well and be quite at home in a casual cottage garden. Excellent in a woodland garden if the soil is moist.

Will form a dense enough mat for a groundcover. “Pencilled Geranium’ is a tough perennial that will adapt to a wide range of conditions. The best source for this Geranium is a wildflower seed company. Geranium Blushing Turtle - Cranesbill - Dobbies Garden Centres Geranium Blushing Turtle Cranesbill A decorative ground cover In summer the brilliant orchid-pink flowers of this superb hardy geranium look beautiful set against the backdrop of bright green, maple-like leaves. Where? A sunny spot in a mixed border is perfect, although this Cranesbill is happy in some light shade as well. It is the ideal ground cover for mixed borders and among roses. How? Best in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Enrich the soil with organic matter before planting - home made garden compost or well rotted manure is fine. Trim back lightly after flowering in summer to revitalise foliage and encourage a second flush of flowers. The common name for a hardy geranium is cranesbill because the seed pods look like a bird's bill. Dobbies plant guarantee We’re so confident of the quality of all our hardy plants that we offer a lifetime guarantee. Please click here for more info.

Question: Give the more common name for the plant, the Cranesbill?
Answer: GERANIUM